Solid electrolyte for reram

ABSTRACT

A composition comprising
     (i) a matrix comprising a metal oxide, metal sulphide and/or metal selenide as the matrix material, the metal oxide, metal sulphide and/or metal selenide comprising at least two metals M1 and M2, and   (ii) a metal M3 which is mobile in the matrix.   The atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 75:25 to 99.99:0.01;   the valence states of M1, M2 and M3 are all positive;   the valence state of M1 is larger than the valence state of M2;   the valence state of M2 is equal to or larger than the valence state of M3; and   the metals M1, M2 and M3 are different.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. national phase application of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2017/053218 filed on Feb. 14, 2017 and published as international Publication No. WO 2017/140647 on Aug. 24, 2017. This application claims the benefit of priority to Patent Application No. 16156125.3 filed in Europe on Feb. 17, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated in this application by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition suitable as a solid electrolyte for ReRAM, a process for its manufacture and the use thereof as an active switching element in ReRAMs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Non-volatile memory devices are used in a multitude of everyday electronics, e.g. smartphones, music players, USB-sticks, memory cards, e.g. for digital cameras, solid-state disks (SSDs) etc.

Non-volatile memories such as the so-called EPROM-technology has certain limits as regards the storage density, access, erase and writing times making it undesirable for the constantly increasing data volume in modern applications, such as the ones mentioned above.

A further technology for non-volatile memories are resistive switching memories which are formed of arrays of resistive switching elements. Each of these elements has two or more stable resistive states. Switching between the states is accomplished by specific voltage pulses.

Resistive switching elements use a “forming process” to prepare a memory device for use. The forming process is typically applied at the factory, at assembly, or at initial system configuration. A resistive switching material is normally insulating, but a sufficient voltage (known as a forming voltage) applied to the resistive switching material will form a conductive pathway in the resistive switching material. Through the appropriate application of various voltages (e.g. a set voltage and reset voltage), the conductive pathways may be modified to form a high resistance state or a low resistance state. For example, a resistive switching material may change from a first resistivity to a second resistivity upon the application of a set voltage, and from the second resistivity back to the first resistivity upon the application of a reset voltage which voltages are usually different from each other.

Two types of ReRAM switching elements are currently under investigation, namely valence change memory (VCM) and electrochemical metallization memory (ECM). In VCMs oxygen anions are removed from a metal oxide matrix whereupon the conductivity of the metal oxide matrix increases. In ECMs metal ions are reduced and build filaments within the matrix between the two electrodes thereby increasing the electrical conductivity. It has recently been found (cf. http://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/UK/DE/2015/15-09-28nnano_reram.html) that in VCMs in addition to the oxygen ion movement also filaments are formed. However, in VCMs elemental oxygen needs to be stored which may migrate to the surface of the electrode and cause delamination thereof.

In current solid state electrolytes usually amorphous metal oxides are used as a matrix whereby the transport of a metal ion therethrough leads to built-up and dissolution of a metallic filament between the two electrodes attached thereto.

After a multitude of switching processes the structure of the solid state electrolyte changes leading to separate metallic phases of the ion to be transported and, in turn continuously changes the switching behavior of the electrolyte making the switch unusable as memory. Moreover, a high degree of purity is desired in order to suppress side reactions and phase separations.

Thus, a solid state electrolyte is needed which is not prone to changes in the switching behavior or which at least has a significant lower rate of change thereof due to the charge-state stabilization of the mobile ion in the matrix.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been found that this can be achieved by introducing a fixed local charge compensation element into the crystalline or amorphous matrix which has a lower valence state that the metal ion of the matrix.

Hence, the present invention provides various embodiments of a composition comprising:

-   -   a matrix comprising a metal oxide, metal sulphide and/or metal         selenide as the matrix, the metal oxide, metal sulphide and/or         metal selenide comprising at least two metals M1 and M2, and     -   a metal M3 which is mobile in the matrix,         wherein     -   the atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 75:25 to         99.99:0.01, preferably 90:10 to 99.99:0.01;     -   the valence states of M1, M2 and M3 are all positive;     -   the valence state of M1 is larger than the valence state of M2;     -   the valence state of M2 is equal to or larger than the valence         state of M3; and     -   the metals M1, M2 and M3 are different.

The composition is particularly suitable as an electrochemical metallization memory (ECM). It has been found that by the above composition, the switching behavior of the composition when used in a resistive switching material can be significantly improved. It is currently believed that the negative localized charge caused by the metal M2 in the matrix improves the ion hopping conductivity by simply enlarging the number of accessible hopping centers. Moreover, the solubility of the metal M3 is also believed to be improved such that the build-up of localized phases, e.g. consisting of secondary metallic nanoparticles, is avoided or at least significantly reduced. Hence, undesired change of the switching behavior, especially changes of the set and reset voltages after a certain number of switching cycles is significantly reduced and, thus, the lifetime of the device is improved. Moreover, images obtained by optical microscopy of the composition do not show any localization of the metal M3 such as metallic phases thereof. Thus, the presence of the metal M2 increases the solubility of the metal M3 in the matrix preventing the formation of such phases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. Included in the drawing are the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows the XRD curve of Comparative Example (sample) 3; and

FIG. 2 shows the XRD curve of Inventive Example (sample) 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention the term “metal” generally denotes the elements of the periodic table except hydrogen, the noble gases, the halogenides, B, C, N, O, P, S, Se and Te.

The valence states of M1, M2 and M3 are all positive. Thus, in an embodiment of the composition according to the present invention the metal is present in cationic form.

The metals M1, M2 and M3 are different. In the present invention this denotes that M1, M2 and M3 are each based on a different element of the periodic table.

As outlined above, the matrix comprises a metal oxide, metal sulphide and/or metal selenide as the matrix, the metal oxide, metal sulphide and/or metal selenide comprising at least two metals M1 and M2 and the atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 75:25 to 99.99:0.01, preferably 90:10 to 99.99:0.01.

The matrix is a metal oxide, metal sulphide and/or metal selenide of the metal M1 wherein the metal M2 partially substitutes the metal M1. Due to the lower valence state of M2 compared with M1 localized negative charge results. This negative localized charge is believed to improve the mobility of the metal M3 and stabilizes its oxidation state.

The metal M3 is mobile in the matrix. Usually, the ratio of the diffusion coefficient of M3 to the diffusion coefficient of M2 is at least 1000:1, preferably at least 10,000:1, more preferably at least 100,000:1 and most preferably 1,000,000:1. The method for determining the diffusion coefficient is described in the experimental part below. Usually the ratio of the diffusion coefficients will not exceed 10⁸:1

Preferably the diffusion coefficient of the metal M2 at 1100° C. is 1.10⁻¹⁰ cm²/s or below, more preferably 1.10⁻¹⁰ cm²/s or below and most preferably 1.10⁻¹² cm²/s or below.

Preferably the diffusion coefficient of the metal M3 at 1100° C. is 1.10⁻⁷ cm²/s or higher, more preferably 5.10⁻⁶ cm²/s or higher and most preferably 1.10⁻⁵ cm²/s or higher.

The method for determining the diffusion coefficient is described in detail in the experimental part below.

The composition is preferably essentially free of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals. In the present invention “essentially free of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals” denotes that the total concentration of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition.

Preferably, the total concentration of metals different from M1, M2 and M3 is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition.

As outlined above, the valence state of M2 is equal to or larger than the valence state of M3, preferably, the valence state of M2 is larger than the valence state of M3.

Preferably, the valence state of M1 is +III, +IV or +V, preferably +IV.

The valence state of M2 is lower than the valence state of M1. Preferably the valence state of M2 is +I to +III, more preferably +II or +III and most preferably +III.

Preferably the valence state of M3 is +I to +III, more preferably +I or +II.

In one embodiment, the valence state of M1 is +V, the valence state of M2 is +III or +IV and the valence state of M3 is +I to +III.

In another embodiment, the valence state of M1 is +IV, the valence state of M2 is +II or +III and the valence state of M3 is +I or +II.

In yet another, preferred embodiment the valence state of M1 is +IV, the valence state of M2 is +III and the valence state of M3 is +I or +II.

Preferably, M1 is selected from Si, Hf, Ta, Zr, Ti, Al, W and Ge, more preferably from Si, Ta, Al, W and Ge, even more preferably from Si and Ta and most preferably M1 is Si.

Preferably M2 is selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Sc, Y, La, Ac or mixtures thereof, preferably Al, Ga, and/or In and most preferably is selected from Al and/or Ga.

As outlined above, the metal M2 may also be a mixture of two or more metals, although M2 being a single metal is preferred.

M3 is preferably selected from the group consisting of Ag and Cu, and is most preferably Cu.

The atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 75:25 to 99.99:0.01, preferably 90:10 to 99.99:0.01, more preferably within the range of 95.0:5.0 to 99.9:0.10, even more preferably within the range of 96.0:4.0 to 99.0:1.0.

Preferably,

-   -   the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or     -   the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 0.1 to 10.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or     -   the amount of M3 is 0.1 to 8.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         even more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 1.0 to 5.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or     -   the amount of M3 is 1.0 to 4.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition.

Preferably,

-   -   the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 0.1 to 10.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.1 to 8.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         even more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 1.0 to 5.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 1.0 to 4.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition.

In a preferred variant of the present invention the composition comprises

-   (iii) a matrix comprising a metal oxide as the matrix, the matrix     comprising two metals M1 and M2, M1 being Si; -   (iv) a metal M3 which is mobile in the matrix     wherein     -   the atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 75:25 to         99.99:0.01, preferably 90:10 to 99.99:0.01;     -   the valence states of M1, M2 and M3 are all positive;     -   the valence state of M1 is +IV;     -   the valence state of M2 is +III or below;     -   the valence state of M2 is equal to or larger than the valence         state of M3; and     -   the metals M1, M2 and M3 are different.

In the following preferred features of this variant are described.

In this variant the matrix is formed of amorphous or crystalline silicon dioxide, preferably amorphous silicon dioxide with the metal M2 partially replacing the silicon atoms.

The metal M3 is mobile in the matrix. Usually, the ratio of the diffusion coefficient of M3 to the diffusion coefficient of M2 is at least 1000:1, preferably at least 10,000:1, more preferably at least 100,000:1 and most preferably 1,000,000:1. The method for determining the diffusion coefficient is described in the experimental part below. Usually the ratio of the diffusion coefficients will not exceed 10⁸:1.

Preferably the diffusion coefficient of the metal M2 at 1100° C. is 1.10⁻¹⁰ cm²/s or below, more preferably 1.10⁻¹⁰ cm²/s or below and most preferably 1.10⁻¹² cm²/s or below.

Preferably the diffusion coefficient of the metal M3 at 1100° C. is 1.10⁻⁷ cm²/s or higher, more preferably 5.10⁻⁶ cm²/s or higher and most preferably 1.10⁻⁵ cm²/s or higher.

The method for determining the diffusion coefficient is described in detail in the experimental part below.

The composition is preferably essentially free of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals. In the present invention “essentially free of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals” denotes that the total concentration of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition.

Preferably the total concentration of metals different from M1, M2 and M3 is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition.

As outlined above, the valence state of M2 is equal to or larger than the valence state of M3, preferably, the valence state of M2 is larger than the valence state of M3.

Preferably the valence state of M2 is +I to +III, more preferably +II or +III and most preferably +III.

Preferably the valence state of M3 is +I to +III, more preferably +I or +II.

Preferably the valence state of M2 is +III and the valence state of M3 is +I or +II.

Preferably M2 is selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Sc, Y, La or Ac, preferably Al, Ga, and/or In and most preferably is selected from Al and/or Ga.

M3 is preferably selected from the group consisting of Ag and Cu, and is most preferably Cu.

In one embodiment of this variant, M2 is selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, and/or In and M3 is Cu.

The atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 75:25 to 99.99:0.01, more preferably 90:10 to 99.99:0.01, preferably within the range of 95.0:5.0 to 99.9:0.10, more preferably within the range of 96.0:4.0 and 99.0:1.0.

Preferably,

-   -   the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or     -   the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 0.1 to 10.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or     -   the amount of M3 is 0.1 to 8.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         even more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 1.0 to 5.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or     -   the amount of M3 is 1.0 to 4.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition.

Preferably,

-   -   the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 0.1 to 10.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.1 to 8.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         and most preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 1.0 to 5.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 1.0 to 4.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition.

In the following preferred features of various embodiments of the invention are described unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

In one embodiment

-   -   M1 is selected from Si, Ta, Zr, Ti, Al, W and Ge, more         preferably from Si, Ta, Zr and Ti and most preferably M1 is Si;     -   M2 is selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In, Tl,         Sc, Y, La, Ac or mixtures thereof, preferably Al, Ga, and/or In         and most preferably is selected from Al and/or Ga; and     -   M3 is selected from the group consisting of Ag and Cu, and is         most preferably is Cu.

In another embodiment

-   -   M1 is selected from Si, Ta, Zr and Ti and most preferably M1 is         Si;     -   M2 is selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, and/or In         and most preferably is selected from Al and/or Ga; and     -   M3 is selected from the group consisting of Ag and/or Cu and is         most preferably is Cu.

In yet another embodiment

-   -   M1 is Si;     -   M2 is Al; and     -   M3 is Cu.

In one further variant

-   -   M1 is selected from Si, Ta, Zr, Ti, Al, W and Ge, more         preferably from Si, Ta, Zr and Ti and most preferably M1 is Si;     -   M2 is selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In, Tl,         Sc, Y, La, Ac or mixtures thereof, preferably Al, Ga, and/or In         and most preferably is selected from Al and/or Ga; and     -   M3 is selected from the group consisting of Ag and Cu, and is         most preferably is Cu;         the total concentration of metals different from M1, M2 and M3         is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition         and     -   the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or, preferably and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 0.1 to 10.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or, preferably and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.1 to 8.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         even more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 1.0 to 5.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and/or, preferably and     -   the amount of M3 is 1.0 to 4.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition.

In another variant

-   -   M1 is selected from Si, Ta, Zr and Ti and most preferably M1 is         Si;     -   M2 is selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, and/or In         and most preferably is selected from Al and/or Ga; and     -   M3 is selected from the group consisting of Ag and/or Cu and is         most preferably is Cu         the total concentration of metals different from M1, M2 and M3         is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition         and     -   the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 0.1 to 10.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.1 to 8.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         even more preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 1.0 to 5.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 1.0 to 4.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition.

In yet another variant

-   -   M1 is Si;     -   M2 is Al; and     -   M3 is Cu;         the total concentration of metals different from M1, M2 and M3         is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition         and     -   the amount of M2 is 0.1 to 10.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 0.1 to 8.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition;         preferably,     -   the amount of M2 is 1.0 to 5.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition; and     -   the amount of M3 is 1.0 to 4.0 atom % based on the entirety of         metals present in the composition.

The present invention is furthermore directed to a process for the production of the composition according to the invention, preferably the process comprises the following steps

-   g) providing a porous oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1; -   h) infiltrating the porous oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1 with a     liquid precursor of M2; -   i) infiltrating the porous oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1 with a     liquid precursor of M3;     whereby steps b) and c) may be carried out simultaneously or     subsequently; -   j) optionally drying the product obtained after infiltrating the     porous oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1 with the liquid precursor     of M2 and the liquid precursor of M3; -   k) optionally calcining the product obtained in step d), if present,     or step c) in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature below the     transition temperature of the oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1; -   l) heating the product obtained in step e), if present, step d), if     present or step c) to a temperature above the transition temperature     of the oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1.

In this regard the “transition temperature” denotes the temperature at which a material changes from one state to another, usually from a solid state to a viscous state, e.g. liquid state, or vice versa. Preferably the material is heated above the glass transition temperature or above the melting temperature of the oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1.

Steps a), b) and c) are usually carried out at 0 to 25° C., but may be performed at elevated temperatures also, e.g. 0 to 50° C. In some cases it may be advised to perform steps a), b) and c) at temperatures below 25° C., such as below 15° C., e.g. in case steps a), b) and/or c) are completed under sub-atmospheric pressure.

Drying step d), if present, is usually carried out at a temperature of above 25° C. but below the transition temperature of the oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1, such as 50° C. to 400° C.

Steps a) to c) and d), if present, may be carried out at atmospheric pressure or sub-atmospheric pressure and are preferably carried out at sub-atmospheric pressure, e.g. in a rotary evaporator at sub-atmospheric pressure.

In the present invention atmospheric pressure denotes a pressure of 1013 mbar.

Step e) if present, is usually carried out at a temperature of 500 to 1000° C.

The oxidizing atmosphere in step e), if present, is usually air, oxygen or other oxygen-containing gases.

Step f) is usually carried out under sub-atmospheric pressure, preferably under vacuum, such as 20 mbar or below.

The composition as obtained above can for example be used as a sputtering target for physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes.

Alternatively the composition may be prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These methods are generally known in the art.

In case the composition is deposited layer by layer, e.g. by atomic layer deposition, the applied layers may comprise only one of the metals M1, M2 or M3 or the applied layers may comprise a mixture of two or more of M1, M2 and M3.

Applying layers only comprising one of the metals M1, M2 or M3 is usually preferred. Thereby side reactions between the precursors of the metals M1, M2 and M3 cannot take place. Moreover, in a mixture of two or more metal precursors the precursor of one of the metals may better physio- and chemisorb with the surface than the precursor of the other metal and, thus, the layer composition, i.e. content of the individual metals, is not identical to the content in the reactant mixture.

In case layers only comprising one of the metals M1, M2 or M3 are applied subsequently the desired concentration in the composition can be easily achieved by selecting the number of the respective layers appropriately.

In either case usually an annealing step is performed after all layers of the composition are applied thereby forming the composition according to the invention. It is also possible to apply some of the layers of the composition, perform an annealing step and then apply further layer(s) of the composition then perform another annealing step until all layers of the composition are applied. However, applying all layers and performing a single annealing step thereafter is preferred.

The annealing step, if present, is usually performed at a temperature lower than the transition temperature of the oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1.

In this regard the “transition temperature” denotes the temperature at which a material changes from one state to another, usually from a solid state to a viscous state, e.g. liquid state, or vice versa. Preferably the material is heated to the glass transition temperature or melting temperature of the oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1.

The thickness of the layer is usually 1 to 100 nm, preferably 5 to 10 nm.

Preferred features of the composition of the present invention are also preferred features of the process of the present invention and vice versa.

The present invention is furthermore directed to the use of the composition according to the present invention or obtained in the processes of the present invention as a resistive switching element, e.g. in a resistive switching memory such as a resistive switching memory cell based on electrochemical metallization (ECM).

Due to the purity obtainable in the composition according to the present invention, the degradation is negligible. Thus, the composition of the present invention may alternatively be used as an active core in fiber laser applications or as wavelength conversion lamp tubing, e.g. for flash lamps, especially, UV->VIS for pump flash lamps, particularly for green luminescence.

Preferred features of the composition and the process of the present invention are also preferred features of the use according to the present invention and vice versa.

EXAMPLES

The invention will now be described with the following non-limiting examples.

Experimental Part Measurement Methods Diffusion Coefficient of M2 and M3

The method is performed analogous to the method described by Gunther H. Frischat, in Sodium Diffusion in SiO ₂ Glass, Journal of The American Ceramic Society, Vol 51, No. 9, 1968, p. 528-530.

The sample was prepared by applying the solution of a radioactive tracer of the metal to be determined onto a polished glass specimen (size 10 mm·10 mm) of Heraeus Infrasil 302® and a second glass specimen of Heraeus Infrasil 302® was applied on top thereof, thereby obtaining a sandwiched structure. Thereafter the specimen was heated to 1100° C. in an oven for an appropriate time. The further procedure was as described in the above paper of Frischat items (2) and (3).

Suitable tracers are known in the art, e.g. 65 Cu or 26 Al.

Transition Temperature, Glass Transition Temperature, Melting Temperature

Determination of Glass Transition Temperature Tg (Glass)

The glass transition temperature Tg for glasses is determined using a DSC apparatus Netzsch STA 449 F3 Jupiter (Netzsch) equipped with a sample holder HTP 40000A69.010, thermocouple Type S and a platinum oven Pt S TC:S (all from Netzsch). For the measurements and data evaluation the measurement software Netzsch Messung V5.2.1 and Proteus Thermal Analysis V5.2.1 are applied. As pan for reference and sample, aluminum oxide pan GB 399972 and cap GB 399973 (both from Netzsch) with a diameter of 6.8 mm and a volume of about 85 μl are used. An amount of about 20-30 mg of the sample is weighed on the sample pan with an accuracy of 0.01 mg. The empty reference pan and the sample pan are placed in the apparatus, the oven is closed and the measurement started. A heating rate of 10 K/min is employed from a starting temperature of 25° C. to an end temperature of 1000° C. The balance in the instrument is always purged with nitrogen (N₂ 5.0 nitrogen gas with quality 5.0 which represents a purity of 99.999%) and the oven is purged with synthetic air (80% N₂ and 20% O₂ from Linde) with a flow rate of 50 ml/min. The first step in the DSC signal is evaluated as glass transition using the software described above and the determined onset value is taken as the temperature for Tg.

The melting temperature T_(m) is determined in an analogous manner whereby the maximum in the DSC-signal is evaluated as the melting temperature T_(m).

Metal Content (of M1, M2, M3, Alkaline and Alkaline Earth Metals etc.)

The determination was carried out using a Varian Vista MPX ICP-OES instrument (available from Varian Inc.). The system was calibrated using two reference solutions with known metal content in a 3:1 mixture of hydrofluoric acid (40 wt. %) and nitric acid (60 wt. %).

The settings of the Varian Vista MPX ICP-OES instrument were as follows.

-   Power settings: 1.25 kW -   plasma: 15.0 l/min (Argon) -   auxiliary gas: 1.50 l/min (Argon) -   atomizer pressure: 220 kPa (Argon) -   repetitions: 20 s -   equilibration time: 45 s -   observation height: 10 mm -   suction time: 45 s -   purging time: 10 s -   pumping speed: 20 rpm -   repetitions: 3

0.10 ±0.02 g of the sample are combined with 3 ml nitric acid and 9 ml hydrofluoric acid and heated in an Anton Paar Multiwave 3000 microwave oven at 800 to 1200 W for 60 minutes. The sample is introduced into a 100 ml volumetric flask using hydrochloric acid (50 Vol. %) and used for the measurement.

XRD Measurement

In an air conditioned room with a temperature of 22±1° C. equipment and materials are equilibrated prior the measurement. Crystallinity measurements were performed using a “STOE Stadi P” from STOE & Cie GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany, equipped with a CuK_(α1) (0.154056 nm) x-ray source, a curved Ge single crystal (111) monochromator, with transmission equipment (detector: linear PSD (position sensitive detector) from STOE), a generator “Seifert ISO-DEBYEFLEX 3003” from GE Sensing and inspection Technologies GmbH (40 kV, 40 mA) and the software “STOE Powder Diffraction Software (win x-pow) Version 3.05” from STOE. This device applies the x-ray scattering measuring principle. Calibration of the device is in accordance with the NIST-standard Si (lot number: 640 c). As reference for the analysis the ICDD database is applied. The sample is placed in a quantity in order to achieve a thin film between two foils (comes with the sample holder from STOE) in the middle of the sample holder prior to placing it in the x-ray beam. The sample was measured in a transmission mode at 22° C. with the following parameters: 2θ: 3.0-99.8°, ω: 1.5-49.9°, step: 2θ 0.55°, ω: 0.275°, step time: 20 s, measure time: 1.03 h. When plotting 2θ versus intensity using the equipped software package, the presence of peaks representing crystalline material can be detected.

Particles Size Determination Using Laser Scattering

For particle size determination of the particles a laser diffraction method was used according to ISO Standard 13320. A Mastersizer 3000 from Malvern equipped with a He—Ne Laser and a blue LED and wet dispersing unit has been employed for the measurements performed at room temperature of 23° C. The conditions of the wet dispersion unit were set to 80% ultrasonic power before measurement and as a dispersant water was used. The values for d₁₀, d₅₀, d₉₀ were determined using the Malvern software 21 CFR, a form factor of 1 and the Fraunhofer theory.

Porosity and Pore Size by Hg Porosimetry

Mercury porosimetry analysis was performed according to ISO15901-1 (2005). A ThermoFisher Scientific PASCAL 140 (low pressure up to 4 bar) und a PASCAL 440 (high pressure up to 4000 bar) and SOLID Version 1.3.3 (Aug. 2, 2012) software (all from ThermoFisher Scientific) were calibrated with porous glass spheres with a pore diameter of 75 nm (University of Leipzig, Fakultät fur Chemie und Mineralogie, Institut für Technische Chemie). During measurements the pressure was increased or decreased continuously and controlled automatically by the instrument running in the PASCLA mode and speed set to 6 for intrusion and 8 for extrusion. The Washburn method was employed for the evaluation and the density of Hg was corrected for the actual temperature. The value for surface tension was 0.484 N/m and contact angle 141.1°. The sample size was between about 30 and 40 mg. Before starting a measurement samples were heated to 120° C. for 24 hours. Evacuation is performed automatically by the instrument for 10 minutes to an absolute pressure of 0.01 kPa.

Used Materials

Amorphous SiO₂ pyrogenic silica is slurried in deionized water and dried in a drying tower at a temperature of >100° C. thereby obtaining porous silica having a particle size (d₅₀) of about 100-500 μm with an inner pore volume of about 0.7 ml/g Al precursor anhydrous AlCl₃ obtained from Alfa Aesar Cu precursor anhydrous CuSO₄ obtained from Alfa Aesar

The compositions have been prepared by infiltration of mixed solution into the inner porosity of porous silica particles as follows. The properties are shown in table 1 below.

Comparative Example 1 (CE1)

0.133 g CuSO₄ are added to a round-bottomed flask and dissolved in deionized water. To this solution 500 g of the porous SiO₂ as defined above are added and shaken until the mixture shows Newtonian behavior. Subsequently the mixture is dried at 130° C. on a rotary evaporator until a dry powder is obtained. The powder is transferred to an aluminium bowl and dried for 48 h in a drying oven at 150° C. Thereafter the residual humidity is determined and the sample cooled to room temperature (25° C.).

Thereafter the resulting product was heated to 1700° C. under a vacuum of 5 mbar for melting.

Comparative Example 2 (CE2)

Comparative example 1 has been repeated whereby 1.33 g CuSO₄ have been used.

Comparative Example 3 (CE3)

Comparative example 1 has been repeated whereby 13.3 g CuSO₄ have been used.

Inventive Example 4 (IE4)

The procedure of comparative example 1 has been repeated whereby 0.133 g CuSO₄ is added to a round-bottomed flask and dissolved in deionized water. 0.166 g AlCl₃ are carefully added. To this solution 500 g of the porous SiO₂ as defined above are added and the procedure of comparative example 1 has been repeated.

The properties are shown in table 1 below.

Inventive Example 5 (IE5)

Inventive example 4 has been repeated whereby 1.33 g CuSO₄ and 1.66 g AlCl₃ as prepared above have been used.

Inventive Example 6 (IE6)

Inventive example 4 has been repeated whereby 13.3 g CuSO₄ and 16.6 g AlCl₃ as prepared above have been used.

TABLE 1 Appearance Cu [ppm]¹⁾ Al [ppm]¹⁾ CE1 slightly red, no inhomogeneity visible 135 8²⁾ CE2 individual, separated areas of high 1270 1²⁾ Cu-concentration visible under the microscope CE3 individual, separated areas of high 10102 0  Cu-concentration visible under the microscope IE4 no individual areas as in case of 169 148   CE2 and CE3 visible IE5 no individual areas as in case of 1213 1485   CE2 and CE3 visible IE6 no individual areas as in case of 11014 14067    CE2 and CE3 visible ¹⁾determined in powder form ²⁾The minimal Al-content results from impurities due to handling

XRD Measurement

FIG. 1 shows the XRD curve of sample 3 and FIG. 2 the XRD curve of sample 6. As can be seen from the curves, intensities of the peaks are at about 43.5 2Theta, 50.5 2Theta and 74.0 2Theta and the intensities of inventive sample 6 are significantly lower. These peaks indicate the presence of crystalline metallic copper phases having a size of 100 to 250 nm. Thus, inventive sample 6 has nearly no such phases albeit the copper content is higher compared with comparative example 3. 

1. A composition comprising: a matrix comprising one or more of a metal oxide, metal sulphide or metal selenide as the matrix material, the metal oxide, metal sulphide and metal selenide comprising at least two metals M1 and M2, and a metal M3 which is mobile in the matrix, wherein the atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 75:25 to 99.99:0.01; the valence states of M1, M2 and M3 are all positive; the valence state of M1 is larger than the valence state of M2; the valence state of M2 is equal to or larger than the valence state of M3; and the metals M1, M2 and M3 are different.
 2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the diffusion coefficient of M3 in the composition to the diffusion coefficient of M2 in the composition is at least 1000:1.
 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the total concentration of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition.
 4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the total concentration of metals different from M1, M2 and M3 is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition.
 5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the valence state of M1 is +III, +IV or +V.
 6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein M1 is selected from Si, Hf, Ta, Zr, Ti, Al, W or Ge.
 7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein M2 is selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Sc, Y, La, Ac or mixtures thereof.
 8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein M3 is selected from the group consisting of Ag or Cu.
 9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of metals present in the composition; and the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of metals present in the composition.
 10. A process for the production of the composition according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: a) providing a porous oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1; b) infiltrating the porous oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1 with a liquid precursor of M2; c) infiltrating the porous oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1 with a liquid precursor of M3; whereby steps b) and c) are carried out simultaneously or subsequently; d) optionally drying the product obtained after infiltrating the porous oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1 with the liquid precursor of M2 and the liquid precursor of M3; e) optionally calcining the product obtained in step d), if present, or step c) in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature below the transition temperature of the oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1; and f) heating the product obtained in step e), if present, step d), if present or step c) to a temperature above the transition temperature of the oxide, sulphide or selenide of M1.
 11. A process for the production of the composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
 12. The process of claim 11 wherein the composition is prepared by ALD and the thickness of the layer is 1 to 100 nm.
 13. A method of using the product obtained by the process according to claim 10 as a sputtering target for physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes.
 14. A method of using the composition according to claim 1 as a resistive switching element.
 15. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 90:10 to 99.99:0.01.
 16. The composition according to claim 1 wherein M1 is selected from Si or Ta.
 17. The composition according to claim 1 wherein M2 is selected from the group consisting of Al or Ga.
 18. The composition according to claim 1 wherein M3 is Cu.
 19. A composition comprising: a matrix comprising one or more of a metal oxide, metal sulphide or metal selenide as the matrix material, the metal oxide, metal sulphide or metal selenide comprising at least two metals M1 and M2, and a metal M3 which is mobile in the matrix, wherein the atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 75:25 to 99.99:0.01; the valence states of M1, M2 and M3 are all positive; the valence state of M1 is +III, +IV or +V and is larger than the valence state of M2; the valence state of M2 is equal to or larger than the valence state of M3; the metals M1, M2 and M3 are different, with M1 being selected from Si, Hf, Ta, Zr, Ti, Al, W or Ge, M2 being selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Sc, Y, La, Ac or mixtures thereof, and M3 being selected from the group consisting of Ag or Cu; the ratio of the diffusion coefficient of M3 in the composition to the diffusion coefficient of M2 in the composition is at least 1000:1; the total concentration of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition; the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of metals present in the composition; and the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of metals present in the composition.
 20. A composition comprising: a matrix comprising one or more of a metal oxide, metal sulphide or metal selenide as the matrix material, the metal oxide, metal sulphide or metal selenide comprising at least two metals M1 and M2, and a metal M3 which is mobile in the matrix, wherein the atomic ratio of M1 to M2 is within the range of 90:10 to 99.99:0.01; the valence states of M1, M2 and M3 are all positive; the valence state of M1 is +III, +IV or +V and is larger than the valence state of M2; the valence state of M2 is equal to or larger than the valence state of M3; the metals M1, M2 and M3 are different, with M1 being selected from Si or Ta, M2 being selected from the group consisting of Al or Ga, and M3 is Cu; the ratio of the diffusion coefficient of M3 in the composition to the diffusion coefficient of M2 in the composition is at least 1000:1; the total concentration of alkaline metals and alkaline-earth metals is below 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition; the amount of M2 is 0.01 to 25 atom % based on the entirety of metals present in the composition; and the amount of M3 is 0.01 to 10 atom % based on the entirety of metals present in the composition. 